Bohannon B-1 Explained
The Bohannon B-1 is a purpose-built aircraft to set new world records in its class for time-to-climb. It is a development of the Van's RV-4.[1]
Development
Bohannon and Miller built the Miller-Bohannon JM-2 Pushy Galore to set the new time to climb records and compete in Formula One air racing. Bohannon continued to set records with his new aircraft. He acquired Exxon as a sponsor for record attempts. His B-1 was painted in a stylized tiger paint scheme and named the "Exxon Flyin' Tiger".[2] The aircraft went on to set 30 altitude and time to climb records.[3] [4]
Design
The Bohannon B-1 is a low-wing, all-metal single-seat aircraft with conventional landing gear. The Lycoming IO-540 engine is augmented with nitrous oxide to increase power from 260to.[5] For 2001 attempts, a Lycoming IO-555 was installed.[6]
Operational history
The B-1 has set, and beat, its own records several times. The B-1 operates in the FAI C-1b Class. (Piston aircraft 1102to).
- 1999 - Time to climb to 30000NaN0 record of 2 minutes and 20 seconds.[5]
- 2000 - Time to climb to 60000NaN0 - Six minutes, thirty seven seconds.[7]
- 2001 - Absolute ceiling for a piston engine aircraft - 350000NaN0.[6]
- 2002 - Absolute ceiling - 375360NaN0 [8]
- 2002 - Time to climb to 120000NaN0 in 32 minutes, 2 seconds
- 2002 - Absolute ceiling - 413000NaN0.[9]
- 2003 - Absolute ceiling - 47,067 ft (14 346 m)[10]
Notes and References
- Web site: Bruce Bohannon. November 29, 2002 . 20 August 2012.
- Popular Science. July 1994. 8. What's New.
- Web site: Retirern' Tiger . 21 August 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130226075332/http://eaa.org/news/2008/2008-12-04_bohannon.asp . 26 February 2013 .
- Web site: Bruce Bohannon. 21 August 2012.
- Flying Magazine. November 1999. 35. Reporting Points.
- Flying Magazine. July 2001. 36.
- Flying Magazine. February 2001. 35.
- Flying Magazine. July 2002. 36.
- Flying Magazine. February 2003. 34.
- Web site: Bruce Bohannon (USA) (8082). October 10, 2017. www.fai.org.
